Main Entry: bai·liff

Pronunciation: \ˈbā-ləf\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English baillif, bailie, from Anglo-French baillif, from bail power, authority, office, from baillier to govern, administer, from Medieval Latin bajulare to care for, support, from Latin, to carry a burden — more at bail

Date: 14th century

1 a : an official employed by a British sheriff to serve writs and make arrests and executions b : a minor officer of some United States courts usually serving as a messenger or usher
2 chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm

— bai·liff·ship \-ˌship\ noun